Launching your dog's ball across the sky while your hand remains drool-free is desirable by any dog owner's standards. That's why getting a ball launcher is a great idea for keeping your dog entertained. Not only do these toys have stratospheric fetch potential, but will save your back from constant bending.
We've ranked the top 10 best dog ball launchers on Amazon and Argos to make walkies more enjoyable for both you and your overexcited, four-legged best friend. Including traditional tennis ball launchers, automatic shooters and Nerf guns, you'll be guaranteed to keep your dogs on their toes! Moreover, we have partnered with veterinarian Natalia Ramírez for reviewing and fact-checking the article to deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Ball Launchers for Dogs
iDogmate
Fetch Until Your Dog's Content With up to 1000 Launches
Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies. She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.
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Table of Contents
Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies.
She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.
Although all dog launchers will launch tennis balls into the sky for the sole purpose of dogs chasing them, it doesn't mean that they're all built the same. When choosing, you'll need to decide whether a manual thrower or an automatic ball launcher is right for you.
The most recognisable style of launcher that most people think of is the manual thrower. These consist of a bendable yet incredibly durable plastic arm thats perfectly weighted to spring balls into the sky in a way most human arms never could.
The other two types are automatic and require almost no effort from you to get the ball soaring. Automatic ball launching stations spit balls out like nobody's business, and are ideal for the garden or park (when not on a walk). Similarly, launcher guns offer accuracy and some ball launching fun for kids, and big kids at heart.
Why not also check out our picks for the best dog walking bags!
The maximum distance of a ball launcher is important to note, as it gives you the best idea on how effective it'll be when coming up against your jumping ball of built-up energy. While a maximum distance isn't a regular fixture of dog ball launchers, it's always welcomed when it is.
Automatic launchers almost always have a set maximum distance. Through their tried and tested operating systems, manufacturers are able to give clear guidelines of where their balls are likely to drop. Look for station and gun types that have multiple distance settings ranging from 3 to 20 metres for pups, all the way up to feverish labs and such.
While 20 metres is still a fair way, it's considered minimal when compared to the distances manual throwers are likely to dish up for your dog. Some of the longest and strongest throwers are known to hit the 60 metre mark, although, obviously this is very much dependant on the person doing the throwing.
While the max distance is the best way of understanding a dog ball launcher in all its soaring glory, when dealing with throwers, it's not always so simple. You'll notice some brands prefer to label their throwers as 'mini' or for small dogs specifically.
This means the thrower will be shorter in length, typically no more than 40 cm, with the smallest coming in at a mere 30 cm. This shortened length makes them ideal for children to muster the energy required to let a ball fly, as well as suiting small dogs with little legs.
A few prestigious pet brands know the importance of getting the thrower's length just right. This is why they have been so kind as to offer up to five dedicated sizes, with a few mini options in the mix. You might also want to look out for throwers with reduced ball cups for smaller balls to help small dogs fit their mouths around them.
Sure, some ball launchers could be considered pretty straightforward products with little-to-zero flare in design. However, some pet brands are paving the ball launching way by producing more than 'just a stick of plastic'. Check to see if your launcher comes with any unique features to benefit both you and your pet.
For example, squeaky, glow in the dark balls are great for wintertime fetch here in the UK. Equally, extendable arms are clever inventions for when fetch time is over, as they allow you to slip the retracted thrower in your bag.
Other notable features include ball holders for gun-type launchers, as well as multiple charging options for automatic ball-firing stations. Look for stations that are both AC and battery compatible to ensure fast wall charging at home and endless launching capabilities down at the park.
For more toys perfect for your canine friend, check out the best dog toys and interactive dog toys!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Petzmotion Petzball Slinger With Balls | ![]() | Tire Pooch Out With a Staggering 60 Metre Sling | |
2 | iDogmate Interactive & Automatic Ball Launcher | ![]() | Fetch Until Your Dog's Content With up to 1000 Launches | |
3 | Hyper Pet Throw-Go Ball | ![]() | Premium Feature-Filled Extendable Thrower | |
4 | Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher | ![]() | Plenty of Colours and Sizes to Tailor Your Fetch Game | |
5 | Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster | ![]() | Launching Gun Featuring Safety Button for Kids | |
6 | All For Paws Automatic Ball Launcher | ![]() | Compact Automatic Launcher With Three Balls | |
7 | Rosewood Ball Launcher | ![]() | Long Launcher With Squeaky Glow in the Dark Balls | |
8 | Gaodpz Gun Launcher | ![]() | A Bazooka-Style Launcher for Keen Canines | |
9 | Good Boy Mini Ball-istic Thrower | ![]() | Shortened Thrower for the Vertically Challenged Paw Patrol | |
10 | Regatta Dog Ball Thrower | ![]() | Inexpensive Thrower and Ball to Fetch for Less |
The Petzball slinger is the kind of no-fuss, well constructed launcher that every family with a dog should look to acquire. The 62 cm arm is perfectly flexed to create such an outlandish sling that it regularly sees tennis balls hitting the 40 - 60 metre mark. Plus, you can pick it up without bending down. It is made of light and resistant plastic.
You can choose to add on up to 13 dedicated Petz balls that are specially weighted for a further sling, although it will also fit standard tennis balls. We highly recommend this one for the kind of launching time that will be both treasured and remembered!
iDogmate aren't in the business of doing things by halves, and this automatic launching station is sanctioned for some astonishingly long fetch sessions. Offering up to 1000 launches from one single charge, it'll give your dog plenty to smile about for days upon days of ball-mania!
It also has four distance settings ranging from 3 - 12 metres along with three balls to hit your garden's back fence running. Better yet, you can recharge the batteries using an AC adapter. Lastly, it also has a random launch function.
Have you always liked the idea of a ball launcher, but been put off by their cumbersome nature? If that sounds a little bit like you, then Hyper Pet have the perfect thrower for you! The Throw-Go Ball can be retracted for a bag-friendly handle size, and just as easily, it can be set to two defined arm lengths for better distance control.
Other notable features include a comfort grip handle and a wrist loop for ball launching security. Overall, it's a popular premium option for dog owners who enjoy keeping their hands free while walking back from the park.
If it's choice you desire, then acclaimed pet brand Chuckit! have got you covered. Their dog ball launcher comes in six unique sizes, including a couple of mini options for smaller dogs. This is helpful for cutting the guess work out of the equation and getting your launch just right.
This is a premium thrower through and through, with a durable yet flexible plastic arm that'll get balls soaring skyward. Although not included in this particular deal, Chuckit! also have tonnes of ball types to tailor your dog's fetch game to a T.
Every kid's favourite toy weapons brand Nerf have entered the dog market in a big way! This Nerf Dog delight has been flying off the internet's shelves with families the world over wanting a piece of the action.
Keep both the kids and your pooch entertained at one fun-filled time, with this easy-to-use Ball Blaster. It hits a distance of 15 metres at a maximum, which may not sound like a huge range, but is well and truly in line with the other automatic launching products.
Primarily intended for small dogs, this automatic ball launcher by All For Paws is mini. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's not capable! Packing three distance settings, this little number can hit the 3, 6 and 9 metre mark, time and time again.
Coming with three tennis balls to hit the ground rolling, it's sure to get any dog profusely wagging their little, excited tail. It can even be charged via an AC wall adapter in addition to C batteries, which is very handy.
Still within the budget range, although undoubtedly more spec-savvy than the other two, Rosewood's ball launcher is primed for nighttime fetch. Through the inclusion of three squeaky, glow in the dark balls, this thrower is ready for whatever hard to find place they might land.
Don't sit around and wait for this one. At 75 cm in length, this is a long and strong thrower that's sure to get even the largest of dogs galloping down the park with their eyes on the prize!
This is the ideal ball-shooting candidate to help improve your dog's speed and reactivity. It sounds like a lot to boast about, but with this bazooka-style tennis ball launcher set to fire at 20 metres, it's likely to be true.
The ball holders ensure your hands are free to aim, and the shoulder strap will help take the pressure off of holding it for a longer length of time. The biggest point of contention is the lack of reviews. After all, it looks good, but will it go the distance? Only time will tell.
Another throwing launcher for under £5, surely canine Christmas hasn't come this early? The mini ball-istic thrower by Good Boy is, as the name suggests, a suitably miniature option. At just 38 cm in length, it's perfectly sized for small dogs or for small throws by small children.
Unfortunately, there's an air of doubt surrounding the size of the ball cup. It's likely around the size of a standard tennis ball, which is great for small dogs with big mouths, but Pomeranians and Chihuahuas might struggle somewhat.
Regatta have got the ball rolling with this plain yet practical thrower and ball pair. Your dog will be smelling the ball's scent before the box has even been opened, ensuring some quality fetch time is well and truly on the cards.
At a length of 52 cm this thrower sits in the midrange when it comes to size, making it an easy choice for both older children and adults. Sure, the ball is unlikely to last and the thrower is pretty nondescript, but for under £5 it's worth a look in.
Our ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
No. 1: Petzmotion|Petzball Slinger With Balls
No. 2: iDogmate|Interactive & Automatic Ball Launcher
No. 3: Hyper Pet|Throw-Go Ball
No. 4: Chuckit!|Dog Ball Launcher
No. 5: Nerf Dog|Tennis Ball Blaster
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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